Tires GS550L

[Guest]

I need to replace my rear tire and I'm pretty sure I need a 120/90 (whatever that means, correct me if im wrong). I found this on kijiji, and its DAMN cheap ($50 is damn cheap, right?) but its 130/90, is that ok? should i grab it?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

"Never been mounted" is different from "Brand new". You'd have to check the date code to see how "new" the tire is.

More info here: Tire Info/Changing Tires

The 130/90 is too big for your bike/rim. The "130" is the width in millimeters. The "90" is the aspect ratio, the proportion of width to height. For a 130/90, the tire is 130mm wide and 90% of that tall (about 117mm).

If you're on a tight budget, look at the Shinko 712 series, in the proper sizes. Tires that are too big get pinched on the rim, can shrink the contact patch and really mess up the handling enough to be unsafe.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Adler]

Hi,

"Never been mounted" is different from "Brand new". You'd have to check the date code to see how "new" the tire is.

More info here: Tire Info/Changing Tires

The 130/90 is too big for your bike/rim. The "130" is the width in millimeters. The "90" is the aspect ratio, the proportion of width to height. For a 130/90, the tire is 130mm wide and 90% of that tall (about 117mm).

If you're on a tight budget, look at the Shinko 712 series, in the proper sizes. Tires that are too big get pinched on the rim, can shrink the contact patch and really mess up the handling enough to be unsafe.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Thanks BassCliff, great info as usual. I asked the guy how old the tire is and he responded that its a year old, but from your post I suppose I shouldnt get it? Just how serious is it to have a tire slightly too big?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

If you have a '79 GS550L, then you should have an 18" rear tire. The tire on kijiji won't fit your rim anyway as it's a 17" diameter tire. At least that is how I'm reading the ad. "V" is the speed rating and "17" is the diameter.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Adler]

Oh! I didnt even realise that number was relevant to the size, Ill look into these Shinko 712 series tires.
Thanks!

[twr1776]

Adler, others can correct me but I would not buy a "used" tire even if it had never been mounted. If the seller says it is a year old it probably is closer to two years old with the actual date of manufacture & shipping. I have not personally used the Shinkos but have heard good things about them and last time I checked a set was about $120 delivered to the US, not sure about Canada though. As Cliff mentioned the tire size is very important to the handling of the bike.

[Danjal]

Im not sure about your budget, but I have an 85 GS550ES and Im running a set of avon road riders. This bike runs like shes on rails. You'll be looking at about $225 or more delivered for a set typically.